New Delhi: Tributes started pouring in from across Bollywood as veteran film star Dharmendra breathed his last. The news comes just a week after the actor was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital, where he was treated for respiratory distress. Dharmendra was 89, and was going to celebrate his 90th birthday on 8 December.
Although his family hasn’t issued a formal public statement yet, the PM expressed his condolences, as did Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Among celebrities, Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar and Shikhar Dhawan were the first to express their condolences.
The PM said: ‘The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti.’
After news of Dharmendra’s death, several members of the film industry gathered at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle to pay their last respects to the iconic actor. From megastar Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek Bachchan, to veteran writer Salim Khan and his son Salman Khan, many renowned dignitaries were spotted arriving for the final rites of Dharmendra on Monday afternoon.
Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor, Zayed Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and Siddharth Roy Kapur also paid homage to Dharmendra at the funeral.
Several videos surfaced on social media where his family members, including Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol were seen reaching the Pawan Hans crematorium. Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were also seen reaching the crematorium.
The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The manner in which he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 24, 2025
Rahul Gandhi said on twitter: The news of the demise of great actor Dharmendra ji is extremely sad and an irreparable loss for the Indian art world. His unique contribution to cinema spanning nearly seven decades will always be remembered with respect and love. I pay my heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra ji. My thoughts are with his bereaved family, friends and fans in this hour of grief.
महान अभिनेता धर्मेंद्र जी के निधन का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है और भारतीय कला जगत के लिए अपूरणीय क्षति है। सिनेमा में लगभग सात दशकों के उनके अद्वितीय योगदान को हमेशा सम्मान और मोहब्बत के साथ याद रखा जाएगा।
धर्मेंद्र जी को अपनी भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूं। इस दुख की घड़ी में… pic.twitter.com/a4Wl1JOM3G
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 24, 2025
Filmmaker Karan Johar, who worked with Dharmendra in 2023’s ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, said his death marks the end of an era.
“It is an end of an ERA… a massive mega star… the embodiment of a HERO in mainstream cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence… he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema… defining and richly present in the pages of cinema history… but mostly he was the best human being… he was so loved by everyone in our industry…” Johar wrote, in the long tribute.
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Actor Akshay Kumar wrote on X: Growing up, Dharmendra ji was the hero every boy wanted to be…our industry’s original He-Man. Thank you for inspiring generations. You’ll live on through your films and the love you spread. Om Shanti.
Growing up, Dharmendra ji was the hero every boy wanted to be…our industry’s original He-Man.
Thank you for inspiring generations.
You’ll live on through your films and the love you spread. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Vj6OzV20Xz
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) November 24, 2025
Notably, Sriram Raghavan’s much anticipated war drama ‘Ikkis’ will mark Dharmendra’s last appearance on the big screen.
The film, starring Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda in the lead, is set to be released on 25 December.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
Also read: Dharmendra’s top 5 memorable roles—prankster in Chupke Chupke to idealist in Satyakam